Celebrating milestone in windmill's history

AN open day attended by a local MP and the council leader has marked 60 years since a historic windmill’s restoration in North Lincolnshire.

- By IVAN MORRIS POXTON

Wrawby Windmill, near Brigg, dates back to the 18th Century, and was on the brink in 1961.

It was saved by local fundraisers, who subsequently formed a preservation society. On September 18, 1965, it was reopened.

The windmill is a Grade II* listed structure, and a less common form of historic mill, known as a post mill. It is believed to be the only such mill in the north of England, and one of relatively few in the country.

A post mill gets its name from a giant post on which the body of the mill, weighing 20-30 tonnes in Wrawby’s case, is balanced.

This and a tailpole out the back that is manually pushed, allows the mill body to be rotated to face towards the wind.

The sails must face towards the wind, or it risks significant damage to the structure.

The restored mill dates to between 1760 and 1790. It was in use until 1940, when sail damage made it unusable. The war and loss of skilled labour meant a repair was not possible.